Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1199, Matthew Duke, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Duke, Matthew
S 1199
buried
CONTENTS

19578 Kentucky
Matthew Duke of Clark Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Com d commanded by Captain Morrow of the reg t commanded by Col d Pendleton in the Va a line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 20 Dollars 62 1/2 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of Sept r 1832 and same to Bullock Winchell
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 50.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 10.00 60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan d Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 7

State of Kentucky Clarke County Set.
Db. 695
On this 27 th day of May — in the year 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Clarke County Court now sitting Matthew Duke aged seventy five years went fully a resident of Clarke County and State of Kentucky who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That sometime in the year 1777 he was drafted for the period of three months in a company of Militia commanded by Captain Charles Morris. Said company was raised in Berkeley County Virginia where he then resided — He served said term of three months and was discharged a few weeks before Christmas of said year. He was march- ed through Little York and Lancaster, and Georgetown — He joined the army com- manded by General Washington. The regiment he was in was commanded by Col. Pendleton. It was near Germa- town that he joined Washington's army

He does not recollect whether or not he got a written discharge - If he did he has lost it -
The next war he was drafted as a militia man in a company commanded by Captain Eutaw Anderson our major was named Stubblefield - The company was raised in the same county in Virginia - And we were marched to South Carolina, we joined Green's army at a place called the Cheraw hills - It was in the latter part of the year 1780 that he was marched towards the Carolinas, and he remained with Green's army near the Cheraw Hill, during a considerable part of the winter - He was commanded by General Stevens, that is the militia to which he belonged was commanded by him - After the battle of the Cowpens in the beginning of the year 1781 in which battle, the enemy under Tarleton were defeated by Morgan - he was employed to guard part of the prisoners to Albemarle Barracks, and there was there dismissed by his captain - He thinks he got no discharge - If he did he has lost it - He served that time three months - -

afterwards in the year 1781 he volunteered in a company of horsemen raised by Captain Anderson. The Lieutenant was named Robert Hoggmorton - We were practiced and drilled six weeks, and were about to march to the army at Little York, but hearing that Cornwallis surrendered we were dismissed and returned home - without any discharge in writing
He states that his whole service during the revolutionary war was seven months and one half - He states that he recollects a Captain John Lemmon of the regular service during the time he was in Washington's army, he does not recollect any of the other regular officers - He recollects Col Lee being a short time with Greene's army at the Cheraw hill - He has no documentary evidence of his service and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - He states that he was born in the year 1758 in Berkley County Virginia - He has no record of his age, though he has seen one that his father had - He lived in Berkley County Virginia during the whole of the revolutionary war - He moved from Berkley County Virginia as well as he recollects in the year 1792 and has lived in Clarke County Kentucky ever since - He is known in his present neighborhood to Daniel Lary, John Reunin, James Reunin, and Isaac Cunningham who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid Matthew Duke
We William Rash a clergyman residing in Clarke County and John Rennix residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Matthew Duke, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy four or seven five years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
William Rash John Rennix
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that William Rash who has signed the foregoing certificate, is a clergyman resident in the County of Clarke, and that John Rennix, who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James P Bullock Clerk of the Court of Clarke County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Matthew Duke for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 27th day of May 1833. At James P Bullock

26 695
Matthew Duke
Clarke County
Ky
for 1777 prints 6 notes.
$20.
can only allow for 60
James P. Bullock cls Clarke Co. Winchester Ky

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Matthew Duke
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1777 3 Capt Morrow as Col Pendleton 75 Va Traditions   1780 3 Capt Anderson as col.   1781 1 12 Capt Anderson  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

January 5, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLB
Mrs. C. E. Aldridge R. R. # 2 Connersville, Indiana
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1199, that Matthew Duke was born in Berkeley County, Virginia.
While a resident of said place he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia troops, as follows:
From the fall of 1777, three months in Captain Charles Morrow's company in Colonel Pendleton's regiment; from late in 1780, three months in Captain Cuthbert Anderson's company; in 1781, six weeks in Captain Anderson's company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 27, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Clark County, Kentucky, having moved there in 1792.
There are no data on file relative to his family.
This bureau has record only of land that was granted by the United States for service rendered during the Revolution. A careful search fails to show that Matthew Duke received a grant of land from the United States on account of his service in the Revolution.
For information relative to land that may have been granted this soldier by the State of Virginia, it is suggested that you address the Librarian, Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner
I also searched the adjutant's office & there is no record that he ever applied for a pension July 7-31

1926, Aug 17. In sh to Mrs. Cecile Aldridge. Personal inquiry. T. U. S. 1927. July 5. Mrs. Hattie E. Lewis. re fam. Sata 1-2. 1931 Jan. 5 hist. to Mrs. C. E. Aldridge. 1931-26.7. Hon. A. R. Robinson adv. Mrs. O. E. Aldridge not out. to la...
INVALID.
File No.
1199  near Matthew Duke Miss Ta-Line
Act: June 7/1882.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 103
[Arrangement of 1870.]

THE MIRROR LINE
CLASIFICACION
ESTADO UNIDO

P. T. INNIS, PRESIDENT C. E. BROWN, CASHIER
DIRECTORS J. W. ANDERSON IDA M. BROWN W. B. CRANE
THE MILROY BANK
CAPITAL $25,000.00
LIABILITY $250,000.00
Commissioner of Pensions Dept. of Interior Washington, D. C.
MILROY, INDIANA
Milroy, Ind. Apr. 7, 1927
Dear Sir: I have applied for admission to the D. A. R.'s and there is an incident or two that I lack in my ancestor's history and I wondered if you could help me out. My ancestor's name was Matthew Duke and he was drafted into ser- vice from Berkley Co. Va. 1777. In 1792 he moved to Clark Co. Ky. and on May 27, 1833

P. T. INNIS, PRESIDENT C. E. BROWN, CASHIER
DIRECTORS J. W. ANDERSON IDA M. BROWN W. B. CRANE
THE MILROY BANK
CAPITAL $25,000.00
LIABILITY $25,000.00
he applied for a MILROY, INDIANA pension. His claim was allowed under No. 71199. Now what I wish to know is the date of his marriage and his wife's maiden name. I felt sure he would have to state both facts in his application if you will please send these to me as soon as you can conveniently. I will appreciate it greatly. Thanking you most kindly. I am, Mrs. Hattie E. Harris

Connersville, Ind
Oct. 27, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir: I am writing you in regard to my Great-Grandfather, Matthew Duke, Revolutionary War Soldier. He served in three enlistments, 1777, Colonel Pendleton's Regiment, 1780 + 1781 in Captain Anderson's Co. from the state of Virginia. Pension No. Claim S. 1199 allowed him 1833 while he was a resident of Clarke Co Ky..
In a letter from the Department of the Interior, I find that bounties for service in the Revolutionary War were issued in the form of land

Warrants. I find that the Federal Government nor the State of Virginia did not issue a land warrant to Matthew Duke, as I am sure he deserved it along with the rest of the Revolutionary War Soldiers.
Therefore, I am very much interested in knowing why Matthew Duke did not receive his land warrant and why it shouldn't be issued at this late date to his descendant.
Awaiting your early reply, I remain Yours Very Truly.
Mrs Lina M. Aldridge Connersville
Ind. R.2.

Connersville Ind.
Dec. 5, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions.
U.S. Dept of the Interior.
Washington D.C.
Honorable Sir: -
I am writing you concerning the service record and land warrant of one Matthew Duke order , who served in the Revolutionary War from the State of Virginia, in Captain Pendleton's Regiment, 1777, and other enlistments.
I am informed that all soldiers in this war were allowed land warrants for service in said war. Will you please tell me if they were allowed a land grant whether or not they were pensioners? If so, where would it be on Matthew Duke  they got record to show that they got was granted (over)

or received. said Grant?
Will consider it a great favor to hear from you in the near future.
Yours Very Truly.
Mrs C. E. Aldridge Connersville R.R.2. Ind.

ARTHUR R. ROBINSON, IND., CHAIRMAN PETER NORBECK, S. DAK.      BURTON K. WHEELER, MONT. THOMAS D. SCHALL, MINN.    SAM G. BRATTON, N. MEX. LYNN J. FRAZIER, N. DAK.    DANIEL F. STECK, IOWA JAMES COUZENS, MICH.      J. THOMAS HEFLIN, ALA. ROSCOE C. PATTERSON, MO. HENRIK SHIPSTEAD, MINN. GEO. O. COMPTON, CLERK
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS
January 31, 1931.
Hon. Edward W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Commissioner:
I am enclosing for your information a letter which I have received from Mrs. Cecil E. Aldridge, of Connorsville, Indiana.
I have written Mrs. Aldridge that the matter is being referred to your department, for investigation and report. Will you kindly advise me in the premises?
Thanking you, I am
Very sincerely yours,
R.LL

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
Carey
July 5, 1927
Mrs. Hattie E. Innis Milroy Ind
Madam:
I have to advise you that in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Matthew Duke (S. 1199), it is not stated whether soldier was married.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

1612 Wars Section
W.A.
August 17, 1926
Mrs. Cecile Aldridge Route #3 Rushville, Ind.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1199, it appears that MATTHEW DUKE was born in 1758 in Berkeley County, Virginia.
While a resident of said place he enlisted and served as private with the Virginia Troops as follows:
From the fall of 1777, three months in Captain Charles Morrow's Company in Colonel Pendleton's Regiment.
From late in 1780, three months in Captain Cuthbert Anderson's Company.
In 1781, six weeks in Captain Anderson's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 27, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Clarke County, Kentucky, having moved there in 1792.
There are no data on file relative to his family.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

February 7, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMHF:MLB am
Hon. Arthur R. Robinson
United States Senator
My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter of January 31, 1931, with which you enclosed one, returned herewith, from Mrs. Cecil E. Aldridge, Route 2, Connersville, Indiana, in which she desires to be advised whether or not she is entitled to bounty land based on the military service of her ancestor, Matthew Duke, War of the Revolution.
You are advised that there is now no provision of law under which descendants of soldiers of the Revolution are entitled to pension or bounty land.
The soldier, Matthew Duke (S. 1199) , was allowed pension on account of his services and was not entitled to bounty land, as he did not serve to the close of the Revolution. This bureau has no record that he ever made application for bounty land on account of his services in said war.
Very truly yours
Her letter to him, R- returned. She informed him she had written here & rec. no reply. Her letter to Bureau, dated Oct. 27, 1930 is in substance what she said in her letter to the Senator
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner